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Elizabeth Outland Branner Named Director of Law Advancement

Elizabeth Outland Branner has been named Director of Advancement for the Washington and Lee University School of Law, effective immediately. She succeeds Paul Gardner in this position following a nationwide search.

Branner brings over 14 years of experience in fundraising to her new position. For the last nine of those years, she has been involved in all aspects of advancing the Law School's mission through fundraising, communications, and alumni and student relations. Most recently, Branner was Associate Director of Law Advancement and focused on the Law School's major gifts program. She also served as interim director during the search.

"I am delighted that Elizabeth Branner will be the Law School's new Director of Advancement," said Dean Rodney A. Smolla. "Elizabeth is highly respected by her colleagues within the Law School, and she has a wonderful relationship with our alumni and excellent knowledge of the Law School and the University."

"I have been fortunate to have her guidance and expertise during my first year as Dean and have great confidence in her abilities, her energy, and her commitment. I am looking forward to her leadership as we approach our upcoming campaign," added Smolla.

Branner's accomplishments at the School of Law are numerous. She was instrumental in enhancing the Law Annual Fund and she reinvigorated the Third Year Class gift program, increasing commitments by opening contributions to projects meaningful to students, such as the Shepherd Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

In addition, Branner acquired funds for numerous capital projects and endowments. Her fundraising efforts have benefited the Stroud Judge's Chambers, the Groot Jury Room, the Groot Portrait, the Hunton & Williams Judge's Bench, the Class of 1967L Patio, the Gowen-Graybeal Scholarship, the Powell Scholarship, the Read Scholarship, the Frank Shepherd Scholarship, the McThenia Scholarship, the Steinheimer Scholarship, the Groot Scholarship, and the Groot Professorship.

"Since beginning her development career at Washington and Lee, Elizabeth Branner has reached ever increasing goals, proven to be a respected colleague throughout the University, and gained the respect and admiration of Law School alumni for her personal style and dedication," said Dennis Cross, Vice President for University Advancement.

"As Washington and Lee prepares for a new campaign, I am delighted that Elizabeth will continue to be an invaluable member of the Advancement and Law School teams during this crucial time."

"I am excited to lead the Law School Advancement office during this juncture in the Law School's history," said Branner. "Washington and Lee School of Law is a special place with a bright future. I look forward to working with our alumni, Dean Smolla, the faculty, staff, and students to raise the much needed funds to enhance the Law School's educational and programmatic offerings, as well as its physical space."

Branner earned a B.A. in English and German from Wake Forest University in 1987. She is a 1991 graduate of William & Mary with a graduate degree in business. Prior to coming to the School of Law, she was the marketing coordinator for a medical publisher, PepsiCo district manager for fountain distribution for the Hampton Roads area, a college admissions officer, marketing coordinator for a fundraising consultant, and director of the Annual Fund at Mary Baldwin College.

Branner lives in Lexington with her husband Wade, assistant athletic director for media relations at Virginia Military Institute, and her two children, Harrison and Margaret. She is the daughter of Grover C. Outland, Jr., a 1951 graduate of the W&L School of Law.